English · Word Candidate

reflective

/ɹɪˈflɛktɪv/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: reflectives

Sense 1

Meaning · English

That reflects, or redirects back to the source.

Adjective

Examples

Mirrors are reflective.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Pondering, especially thinking back on the past.

Adjective

Examples

He always becomes reflective in preparation for the new year.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A supposed organ of the brain, dealing with abstract reasoning.

Noun

Examples

Then why not subdivide the reflectives and perceptives into distinct organs having special relations to external objects, as well as divide the intellect into a reflective and a perceptive portion?

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “reflective” mean?

That reflects, or redirects back to the source.

Is “reflective” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.